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The ice was nearly empty of Leafs, but Mike Kostka had some extra jump on Sunday.

He is back on the radar after five games in the press box, now that John-Michael Liles will miss at least Monday’s game in Boston with a sprained ankle. Liles was listed as day-to-day after getting hurt Saturday against the Bruins. Kostka was a mainstay with the Marlies when the lockout ended and earned a promotion to Leafs camp. He was in Randy Carlyle’s opening night lineup and stayed until the Leafs tumbled into a five-game losing streak. No other defenceman was summoned from the Marlies, who had a Sunday night game in Peoria.

Sitting was something new for the 27-year-old Kostka, who was usually a big part of his minor league teams.

“No one ever wants to be a healthy scratch, it’s just part of the business,” Kostka said after he, Joffrey Lupul and Ben Scrivens departed the ice. “But just like (Liles and Mike Komisarek did when scratched for multiple games), you work your best and try to get better.

“Randy runs high-tempo practices that keep you game-ready and I’ve worked on some things I try to improve on.”

He was asked if sitting in the NHL is easier to take, given that few thought he’d be in the league.

“I don’t look at it that way,” Kostka said. “Every day you’re going out trying to protect your job and be as effective as you can, within what you have to offer. I didn’t think about where I’ve been and how happy I am to be here. This is where I am now.”

Liles was seen walking around the dressing room with a slight limp, but it looked much worse Saturday. Boston’s Daniel Paille acci-dentally skidded skates-first into Liles’ ankle, sending the veteran hobbling off the ice.

Leafs' Kostka back on radar

The ice was nearly empty of Leafs, but Mike Kostka had some extra jump on Sunday.

He is back on the radar after five games in the press box, now that John-Michael Liles will miss at least Monday’s game in Boston with a sprained ankle. Liles was listed as day-to-day after getting hurt Saturday against the Bruins. Kostka was a mainstay with the Marlies when the lockout ended and earned a promotion to Leafs camp. He was in Randy Carlyle’s opening night lineup and stayed until the Leafs tumbled into a five-game losing streak. No other defenceman was summoned from the Marlies, who had a Sunday night game in Peoria.

Sitting was something new for the 27-year-old Kostka, who was usually a big part of his minor league teams.

“No one ever wants to be a healthy scratch, it’s just part of the business,” Kostka said.